Monday, 17 July 2017

More deck chairs, but an entirely different scene. We are now looking across the South Downs from the splendour of the gardens of Polesden Lacey House - a great Victorian/Edwardian country house constructed out of the eye-watering profits of the McEwens Brewery. Cheers! - or should it be Chairs!

Wednesday, 12 July 2017

We recently spent a night at the Oakley Court Hotel near Windsor - a splendidly spooky place on the banks of the River Thames. Whilst there, I discovered that it had been used as the set for the films "The Brides of Dracula" and "The Plague Of The Zombies". Laster, I also discovered that my good friend Jane Gordon-Cumming had used it as the setting for her novel "A Proper Family Christmas". A large house - a small world.

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

​In the shadow of the massive stone walls of Windsor Castle stands the Duchess of Cambridge Pub. In the shadows of the Duchess of Cambridge Pub sits someone who is highly unlikely to be the Duchess of Cambridge.

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Deep within Windsor Station there is a small shop - Havana House - that sells the finest malt whisky and the very finest Havana cigars. Next to the door is a sign proclaiming "Welcome To Paradise". Was ever a truer word written?

Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Bishop's Castle takes its name from the castle built by the Bishop Of Hereford on land given to him in Saxon Times by Edwin Shakehead. By far the most fascinating part of that explanation is that someone could have the name Edwin Shakehead. Wonderful!

Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Just around the corner from the old petrol pump is parked - permanently, it is to be hoped - this old rust-covered contraption. I love the way the seat has been protected from the elements by a plastic bag, just in case some dare-devil owner decides they want a rustic ride.

Monday, 3 July 2017

A strange combination : a petrol pump which must have been last used when cars with running boards were running by, and a plaque to a school (Harford House Private Girls School 1860-70) which must have last resonated with the songs of young schoolgirls when schoolgirls sang rather that texted.

About Me

One time lecturer, writer on European Affairs and bus conductor, Alan Burnett now divides his time between walking the dog and a little harmless blogging. His News From Nowhere Blog has been running since 2006 and acts as a showcase for his ranting and writing and his photographs old and new.